Join Keanu Reeves on a tour of the past and the future of filmmaking in Side by Side. Since the invention of cinema, the standard format for recording moving images has been film. Over the past two decades, a new form of digital filmmaking… MoreJoin Keanu Reeves on a tour of the past and the future of filmmaking in Side by Side. Since the invention of cinema, the standard format for recording moving images has been film. Over the past two decades, a new form of digital filmmaking has emerged, creating a groundbreaking evolution in the medium. Reeves explores the development of cinema and the impact of digital filmmaking via in-depth interviews with Hollywood masters, such as James Cameron, David Fincher, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Steven Soderbergh, and many more. -- (C) Tribeca

Actors such as Robert Downey Jr. complain that because digital cameras can be reloaded in seconds, there is no time for performers to hang out in their trailers between takes (in protest, he urinated in jars, which he hid all over the sets of Zodiac).

Side by Side explores the question of film's worth in an increasingly digital future. It all boils down to the simple fact that even if the format changes,… MoreSide by Side explores the question of film's worth in an increasingly digital future. It all boils down to the simple fact that even if the format changes, the medium is only as good as the artist's ability to manipulate it to tell a story. Some filmmakers swear by film. Others by digital. But ultimately, it's the quality of the work that matters. A great documentary.

Liam Gadd

An insightful, thought-provoking and unbiased documentary on the debate between digital vs. film.

Walter M.

"Side by Side" is an insightful documentary wherein Keanu Reeves(?!?) talks to a wide variety of film directors, editors, cinematographers and even a… More"Side by Side" is an insightful documentary wherein Keanu Reeves(?!?) talks to a wide variety of film directors, editors, cinematographers and even a few actors on the way technology has shaped film over the years, particularly with the advent of digital cameras in the past few years. This has made it possible for film directors to get shots they would not have ordinarily been able to get while also allowing for digital effects such as the astounding look of "Sin City," for instance. At the same time, it is now much easier for anybody to make a movie, thus leading to thousands of New York Times editorials on the surfeit of movies being released today.
In the classic documentary "The Five Obstructions," Lars von Trier made a great point of adversity helping directors by forcing them to improvise and think for themselves.(There is a great example of this in "Side by Side" from 'Lawrence of Arabia.') And then there is the opposite side of the same coin that are cautionary tales of directors relying too much on technology, simply including effects in a movie just because they can be done(*cough* 'Speed Racer' *cough*). And as I have said elsewhere, 'Avatar' may look great but it does not look real.
For the record, I watch most movies on my nine inch portable DVD player but I still feel that the best way to see any movie is on the biggest screen possible in a crowded theater. And, no, not every movie is out on DVD. Not even close.

Marcus Woolcott

Fascinating documentary on the impact of digital film making, featuring many of Hollywoods biggest names.

KJ Proulx

Insightful all the way through, "Side By Side" is a great documentary, filled with tons of well-known celebrities as they talk about their thoughts on… MoreInsightful all the way through, "Side By Side" is a great documentary, filled with tons of well-known celebrities as they talk about their thoughts on the conversion from digital filmmaking and the future of the industry. There are times, although they are different opinions, that the same thing is repeated, because there is only so much you can have an opinion on about this. Let's face it, old-fashioned filmmaking, and things of the like, will inevitably die out within the next decade, and probably sooner. Most directors believe this to be the end of cinema, but I believe we are in a rut that will take a while to get out of, because we are having trouble finding the absolute best talent out there, or just settling for middle of the road. This was very interesting to watch, due to the classic directors speaking their minds on the matter, but truthfully, once they are gone, film will be dumber and dumber. So yes I am scared for the industry, because film has such a huge impact on society, but the world goes how it goes, and sometimes it is not controllable. To me, that is what this film's message really was. I really loved watching "Side By Side," and I highly recommend fans of any genre of film to watch this.

danny d

this is an excellent documentary. reeves does a great job as host, and the perspectives of some of the worlds best filmmakers was a delight to hear, even when… Morethis is an excellent documentary. reeves does a great job as host, and the perspectives of some of the worlds best filmmakers was a delight to hear, even when i disagreed. this is such an interesting topic, im glad to see this sort of film made to highlight the issues. if you like film, watch it.

The Movie Waffler

Director Kenneally uses Reeves as a mouthpiece to speak with film-makers and hear their thoughts on the current transition from traditional film stock to its… MoreDirector Kenneally uses Reeves as a mouthpiece to speak with film-makers and hear their thoughts on the current transition from traditional film stock to its digital counterpart. Interviewed are those from across the film-making spectrum; directors, cinematographers, editors, producers and colorists. Some, particularly Christopher Nolan and his cinematographer Wally Pfister, champion film, while others, like James Cameron, Steven Soderbergh and George Lucas, are fully behind digital. Sitting somewhere in the middle are the likes of Martin Scorsese, David Lynch and David Fincher, who acknowledge the pros and cons of each format.
Reeves is an affable host and uses his experience of spending time on film sets to go toe to toe with film-makers when the talk gets particularly techy, as it frequently does. While it's great for film fans to hear the opinions of so many film-makers, too much time is spent on talking heads. We never get to see a visual comparison of the same footage shot on the two formats so, in this way, the film never lives up to its title. Mention of the primary reason for digital's predominance, finance, is also conspicuous by its absence. The most interesting revelation is how arrogant and egotistical the proponents of digital come across. Their motivation seems to be fueled by a lack of trust in their cinematographers and a "control freak" mentality. Soderbergh, Cameron and Lucas live up to their prickly reputations here, coming off as particularly disrespectful to their collaborators.
The elephant in the room of this documentary is digital projection. While we are treated to endless talk of digital film-making, there's no mention of the impact it's had on theatrical exhibition. Digital has finally got to the point where it can compete with film creatively. Some of the best looking films of last year where shot using the new format. The problem arises with screening it in a cinema. In thirty-something years of cinema-going, I've only experienced film break down once, during a screening of 'Amelie'. In the past two months alone, I've been turned away from three screenings due to hard drive and server crashes. Another huge problem is that cinemas have made their projectionists redundant, often leaving the running of multiple screens in the hands of a "technician" who knows little about how films should be displayed. It's rare to find a film being projected correctly now; usually it's in the wrong aspect ratio, the image is out of focus, the top, bottom or sides are cropped; I've even seen films projected upside down. By the time word of a problem gets back to this one person, you've already missed a considerable portion of the movie. Digital may be great for film-makers but certainly not for audiences. Not addressing this issue is a huge oversight of 'Side by Side'.

David Sayers

A lovely companion piece to the cinematography documentary 'Visions of Light' this fascinating documentary attempts to present the arguments for and… MoreA lovely companion piece to the cinematography documentary 'Visions of Light' this fascinating documentary attempts to present the arguments for and against Digital as opposed to Film and allows many famous directors, actors and cinematographers to present their point of view. The fact that the documentary isn't biased either way is refreshing and Reeves is an engaging and friendly interviewer. The clips from various films are beautiful and the surprising thing is that for many recent films it isn't clear which format is used. By the end it suggests that Film has had its day but documentaries like this help to illustrate that there is room in film-making for both.

Sam Barnett

Keanu Reeves brings together a boatload of Hollywood's finest to discuss the physical and ideological issues facing cinema. It may try to force too much… MoreKeanu Reeves brings together a boatload of Hollywood's finest to discuss the physical and ideological issues facing cinema. It may try to force too much information into too little time if you don't know about the history and technology of film, but this documentary romanticizes the art with such passion and finesse that it stands as a reaffirmation of the power of movies and the importance of understanding their history and possible future.

Everett Johnson

I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of movies. I will watch all type of movies, I just love movies. "Side By Side" is a documentary about how filmmakers have… MoreI am a HUGE, HUGE fan of movies. I will watch all type of movies, I just love movies. "Side By Side" is a documentary about how filmmakers have changed the way they make movies by going from making a movie with film, to making a movie digital. It's very technical, but it has some very insightful views from James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, Robert Rodriguez, among many other people who help create movies. It's produced and hosted by Keanu Reeves. Weird, I know right?! But he does a good job interviewing the people, and he seems genuinely interesting in the entire process. Parts of the documentary are a bit tedious if you don't know much of the process(I don't), and other parts are fascinating if your a true fan of films(I am). I think this is an important movie to watch because filmmakers are the ones who tell the stories we all love, and this is a chance to hear from them about their side of the camera. I watched this very late at night and was glued to the screen. It's neat to see how things have changed in the 100 years movies have been made, and hear where some of these people think it's going to evolve to. A must watch documentary of people who genuinely love technology, movies, or hearing from people who make the all the magic happen.

Glenn Gaylord

For film tech nerds the world over, this documentary about the advent of digital filmmaking and what it means for the old school film purists is an engaging… MoreFor film tech nerds the world over, this documentary about the advent of digital filmmaking and what it means for the old school film purists is an engaging must-see. Keanu Reeves narrates and interviews an impressive roster of directors, cinematographers, editors, actors, and execs through this highly technical history and many of the subjects are truly game. I think their candidness is largely due to Reeves being there. Most seem to feel really comfortable around him, which is essential to getting some of the gold that comes out of the likes of Steven Soderbergh and David Fincher in particular. Editor Anne Coates, the 86-year-old editor of such classics as LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) and OUT OF SIGHT (1998) brings a refreshing and surprising perspective. Just when you expect the film vs. digital argument to have lines drawn depending on age, Ms. Coates shows a delightful openness to the new technology. This is an astounding time capsule piece which demonstrates how truly far we've come in digital image quality, particularly just in the past few years. There are times where you'll go back and forth about how you feel, because ultimately, both sides make great points. I couldn't believe how terrible some of the earlier digital films looked (TADPOLE or CHUCK AND BUCK anyone?). This may feel really too inside baseball for the layperson, but if you have any interest in how we experience filmed stories, this is essential viewing.

Stephen Earnest

"Side by Side" is an extremely informative documentary about the eventual shift from photochemical filmmaking to digital filmmaking as well as the… More"Side by Side" is an extremely informative documentary about the eventual shift from photochemical filmmaking to digital filmmaking as well as the future of cinema. Among the directors/cinematographers interviewed are notable names like Steven Soderbergh, James Cameron, Vittorio Storaro, David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, David Lynch and Michael Ballhaus. Several good, interesting points are made about how digital filmmaking as affected cinema as an art form in a negative way, and if making films the easier, cheaper way is really the best decision.